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 Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 10:38 pm
  The day had grown old, and the afternoon sun was setting in the west. The brown stallion had spent the day wandering among the fields and forests, enjoying the sunny day, despite the fact snow had layered over the once green grass beneath his pale hooves.
Humming to himself, the stallion continued his trot, enjoying the cool wind whipping through his black mane. Soon, the air would be filled with the scent of his wolf brethren, and he'd be home in the den once more before the darkness of night spread across the land. Overall, it had been a peaceful, uneventful day, and nothing could happen to change that fact.
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Posted: Sat Dec 29, 2007 11:54 pm
A shrill scream carried into the evening, resounding in the ears of anything that was near. She cared not for whoever would respond to it; any help or distraction to her pursuers would make the difference. Heart beating strenuously, the young off-white filly ran as fast as her legs would bear it, though her strength was slowly waning as she tumbled over logs and attempted to weave left and right through the forest's trees.
But her efforts were wasted away, as none of her chasers had fallen, and they were only gaining. The filly threw her head back, eyes widened in fear and desperation, which was a mistake she would right away regret. The winged, bloodthirsty creatures were closer than ever above ground now, that she could almost feel their shadows enveloping her own. In her home, she had been one of the fastest and well-trained, but it was not apparent here. If only she had not slipped one of her wolf guardians' watch; if only one of them came along with her that her grandpa had always assigned! It was a childish decision that brought her into this fatal mess. Thoughts of surviving without aid were wiped away by the pure terror she felt now as she raced through the woods, and she wished frantically that she could be safe at home in the mountains.
A squeal came as she turned her gaze back to look in front of her to notice a particularly tricky rock in her way, and there had been no time to change her direction or leap out of its path, and so she tripped over it, falling to the ground with a defeated thud. Her heart gave a lurch as she knew it was inevitable--she would be taken, and she knew now she shouldn't have wandered away from home; she knew now that she couldn't hide that well within her terrain despite her almost white pallid body. Her eyes teared up as she closed her eyes in ultimate fright when the shadows of the winged beasts darkened, signaling their descent on her. A cry rang out as she flinched, awaiting her fate.
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Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:34 am
His ears perked as he heard the sound of galloping in the distance, which seemed to be heading straight towards him. The thud of hooves was light, however, which told him it was either a creature smaller than himself, or one of young age. Perhaps the wolves had come out and were hunting down their food already?
Curious, the large stallion sidestepped and took his position behind a nearby tree in the shady forest. With the trees looming overheard and blocking out the sunlight with patches of shade, it wouldn't be hard to blend in with his surroundings, should he be able to hide his entire body behind the large old trunk. By this time, his ears had heard the shrill shrieking sound of whatever it was that was running towards his direction, and his blue eyes squinted, attempting to make out that small white blur he saw running in the distance, many yards away. Behind it, a small flock of unidentified winged creatures were in pursuit and were no doubt about to catch up with their goal very quickly, if something didn't intervene soon.
Kouga was one to simply allow nature to take its course. Wolves had to eat just as much as horses did, so it wasn't unnatural for them to find a creature, kill it, and eat it for food. While he preferred the green pasture, others needed meat to nourish their bodies. He understood that. It was merely a part of life that everyone was forced to accept at one point or another; he was just more accepting of it than many. But as the blur began to grow clearer, and the tall stallion made out the form of a young filly, he momentarily froze. He had seen horses killed before, so what made this one any different? More than likely, it was the fact that these beasts were attacking a defenseless child, as opposed to a prey that was a worthy adversary to attack. Kouga had no respect for bullies, much less murdering ones.
He saw the stumble, and the winged ones growing ever so closer in their attempts to tear and pull apart the young creature. Stepping forward, it was only a matter of seconds before he now stood between foal and foe. Rearing back on his hind legs, he let out a shrill whinny towards the attackers, warning them he was nothing to be messed with. Should they continue their pursuit, he would fight back. So now it was up to them, but either way, the filly was now safe. Well, as safe as she could be, in the present circumstances.
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Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 12:00 am
The foal's eyes were shut tight as more shadows covered the light from what she could see, and she was ready to succumb to death's wrath from above; yet it never came. She thought she heard some stomping to her side, and a high whinny, but she was caught up in her moment of fright that she disregarded them entirely. Fear consumed her, and that was the only thing she had paid attention to. But what kept her final breath waiting..?
Tentatively, she opened a slit of her eye to peek at the scene. At once both of her eyes opened wide again in astonishment, finding a dark tall stallion standing in front of where her pursuers were coming from. Her eyes glistened from both the previous tears during her chase, and in pure gratefulness that a miracle had prompted a savior to come to her aid. She slunk back and held still on the ground in the case that the winged creatures would find a way around the one guarding her, and she would wait until she was sure they were all gone to recover her stance.
As the white filly tried to shift her front legs, she winced in pain as something sharp came shooting up that spot. Something must have strained from the enduring pursuit at first, and she fretted that it was still over for her, even if she did find something to ward off the things that were chasing her.
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Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:10 pm
The winged creatures were easy enough to scare off, now that a larger, more aggressive creature, had shown up on the scene. It was unusual for vultures, as Kouga now recognized them to be, to hunt live prey instead of scavenging off of the dead's remains. Unusual, but not unheard of, especially if they flew in groups and found themselves weak prey, like this little filly obviously was.
He felt his hoof come into contact with one or two of the surprised creatures, and without any further delay, the foul creatures flew away, abandoning their prey.
He watched and waited for the birds to fly far enough away so they were no longer visible to the naked eye before finally turning back around to inspect the fallen filly.
"Filthy buzzards," he muttered, shaking his head. Glancing down at the offwhite youngster, he noticed the pained expression spread across her face. "Hey there. Are you okay? Where does it hurt? And um... what exactly are you doing out here all alone, little girl? Don't you know it's dangerous around these parts?"
He didn't recognize her colors, as he knew most of the inhabitants that lived in the nearby vicinity. Which only meant that she was of foreign lands... but why come here?
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:06 pm
The filly watched on as she heard a thud break the air, introducing the sound of beating wings against the wind that eventually faded off into the distance. As the brown stallion was through with his warning stance towards the beasts, the white foal simply stared in appreciation and disbelief that her previous troubles had completely vanished from sight. Her awe was so great that she had almost forgotten about the pressure and harm she must have put to her legs and body from all that running, and all she could do for the moment was gaze speechlessly at her savior, though everything about her expression told of her infinite gratitude.
She snapped back to the pained reality of her situation as the stallion's words came to her, and she looked back to her legs meekly and replied hesitantly, "T-thank you--I would have been finished if not for you..."
She restrained the urge to gasp for air, though the hesitation in her breath may have given it away--she could do little to prevent a faint trickle of tear slide down her cheek; she was flooded with a mixture of emotions ranging from red embarrassment to confused anxiety and sheer gratefulness.
As she regained her speech, she replied, "I'm from the mountains... I've been raised there for a while, and I... accidentally got lost. Then they came..." She struggled to hold back a whimper as memories of the creatures coming after her came back, and she dearly hoped she would never get into the same situation again. But it was her fault for leaving herself vulnerable, leaving the protection of her family and family's friends to wander off near the mountain base.
"Thank you..." she said softly again, unsure of what else to mention to the older stallion. Her head was down in shame, and she knew better than to get up straightaway, or at least without some rest or help, for she wasn't in the condition to walk by herself now. Looking up again at the male, she added weakly, "I'm okay now, they're gone, I'll just stay here until... I'll go back." She looked away, hoping she would get the stranger to go before he saw yet another moment of weakness in her as well--once was enough, and she especially didn't wish to bother him again after he had just saved her.
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Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:43 pm
Kouga wasn't exactly sure how to respond to this small filly in distress. Part of him told himself to leave her to fend for herself, that he did his good deed, and the rest was up to her. Another part of him argued that leaving her behind would be like abandoning brethren in need. She was no wolf, but neither was he.
His head turned to glance in the direction of the mountains, his dark mane swishing against his neck with his sudden turn. She'd come from all the way up there?
Kouga himself had never explored the mountains, as he preferred the flat even fields near his cavern home, but he had no idea that horses actually could make a life for themselves living amongst the rocks and craggy edges of the tall mountains.
He disregarded her thanks, not knowing how to respond to gratitude. A sly grin spread across his face, however, as he listened to her attempt of bravery, her tone of voice giving away her true feelings, along with the single wet tear that found its way from the corner of her eye.
"If you're lost... then how do you know how to get back?"
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Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2008 12:00 am
The white filly wasn't lost entirely, but had definite knowledge of where she was, and what her surroundings were before she had been chased. Of course, she had no idea where she had been running to for the duration of the traumatizing experience, but it wouldn't have been impossible to retrace her steps.
She was sure she could travel back up to the mountains by herself, eventually. How hard could it be to spot the range her family and friends resided on amidst the clear scenery? That, and she knew the mountains fairly well, having been led by a few of her elders here and there. Though she enjoyed strolling through the flat ground, the mountains were where she was training to become a stronger adult, and perhaps one day she would even lead her own pack...
Looking up at the brown stallion, the filly blinked doubtfully and answered, "I'm not lost, I'll get there..." unaware of her contradictory statements previously made.
Struggling to get up on her now-feeble legs, she tried to sneak back a wince while getting all four of her legs up. She stood there shivering, as if she was almost going to fall down from her exertion, and moved her head around to scan the area. She could spot a faint image of the mountain she came from through the thick cluster of trees that stood in the way, and though it seemed far, she would manage... right? She stalled, looking back at the young male adult that seemed to be still standing there, and back at the vague hints of the mountain.
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Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2008 1:01 am
He watched her as she rose from her half-sitting position, the wince giving away the obvious distress and pain she was still experiencing in her leg. She was brave, though, he'd admit that. Not only was she determined to keep her calm and remain level-headed, despite her predicament, but she was attempting to give him the impression that she no longer needed his assistance as she returned to her home in the mountains.
Silently staring, Kouga watched the young filly stand on her feet, her legs giving away their weakness with a tell-tale wobble. Did she really think she could make it back to the mountain on her own? In that condition?
Sighing, he shook his head. Females of any species or of any age seemed quite stubborn in their ways and decisions, he had come to discover. "Well, it wouldn't hurt you to have some company on your return trip home." he grunted lowly, his own ears in partial disbelief at the offer he was presenting her with. He had things to do. A life to live. Why was he about to waste those precious few hours returning a filly back to her family?
Stepping forward to stand beside her, he motioned with his head for her to lean against him, that he would support the majority of her weight from off of her hooves during their travel. At the rate she was currently going, she wouldn't be able to keep standing by herself on her own feet for much longer.
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Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:08 am
It was clear that she was uncomfortable with the stallion simply watching her while she struggled to endure and overcome her pain. Though she enjoyed the company, the obvious signs of weakness, especially when displayed in full view in front of an older male, was quite distressing to say the least for the little filly. How many times did she have to learn that showing signs of feeble mortality was fatal to one's life? But she couldn't restrain her youthful instincts to seek help when it was obviously needed... She could not get past the weak bones in her small leg that seemed to throb now, and for some reason, she sensed a similar throbbing in her head.
What was wrong with her? She tried to quell the throbbing by closing her eyes and focusing on mentally healing her leg (though she knew that was impossible), and the beating slowed to a halt soon after. That was strange, as she no longer felt anything in her legs unless she put pressure to them, which she had tried out unfortunately seconds earlier, just to receive a cold response of a sharp pang of pain.
Bringing her attention away from herself, she looked to the stallion and blinked at his shaking of the head. Did she do something wrong? She shrunk at his seemingly displeasure towards her, but her position changed as he uttered his caring words. Despite being grunted, the words held something within that told her... that he, in a way, held concern for her, and regardless of the two's reluctance to continue having each other around, she knew that was the only solution if she wanted to get home by nightfall.
At first, she shied away from the stranger, not wanting to burden him any more with her weight, but as she tried stepping out alone, she had to conceal a tremor and squeal. Giving up, the filly had thrust her side to the stallion's own larger one, and looked down, deeply embarrassed by all that was happening. For the moment, she was even too shy to whisper a small apology, or even a polite thanks to him.
But when she finally regained the ability of speech, she said so softly that when finished with her words, even she didn't know whether the stallion had heard of not, "You know how to get to the mountains?"
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Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 8:32 pm
His grin remained strong as he watched the weaker creature try to fend for herself. It was obvious she was a proud filly, and he respected her for that, on some level. He too knew what it was like to be proud, to attempt to rely on oneself for all their needs. Asking others for assistance was humiliating, and Kouga resisted doing so unless he was in dire need of it.
His eyes narrowed as he watched her attempt to put weight on her leg. Was it broken? A broken bone could be fatal to a young horse; once broken, there was a good chance she'd never walk normally again. Which was a pity, really, considering how young she appeared to be. But, upon closer inspection, he saw no tell-tale signs of any bones being out of place, so perhaps she just harshly bruised a part of her leg.
He watched as she moved away from him, and he'd opened his mouth to interject a comment, when she let out another pitiful squeak before nearly hurling herself against him. Despite her smaller frame, the taller being had to catch his own step, having been caught off balance, somewhat, thanks to the additional weight that had been forced upon him by surprise.
Just as it was plain to see she was proud, it was noticeable that she found herself embarrassed by her dependency towards him, a total stranger. He let out another low snort, and adjusted himself to leaning towards her, making it more comfortable for the both of them.
Had his ears not already been perked up from the startling weight toss she'd thrown at him earlier, he might not have caught her meek question directed towards him.
"Know how to get to the mountains...?" he paused, as if trying to make sense of the sentence. Cocking his head back, he let out a laugh. "Well, I'd be a sorry sight if I didn't know how to get to the mountains!" Letting out a few more chortles, he leaned back down to stare at her, then nodded his head over to the side. "I might be older, little one, but my nearsight hasn't left me yet. I assume you're referring to those big piles of rocks over there?"
He let his gaze drift over to the mountainside that lay a few miles away from the forest, the tall peaks peering over the tips of the trees. Turning back, he nudged her once more, signaling they were about to begin their trip, unless she had any qualms.
"The name's Kouga, by the way. And you would be....?"
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Posted: Wed Mar 26, 2008 11:00 pm
Her entire attitude remained low and recessive for the most part, especially when she had heard his appropriate irritative snort. She wouldn't be able to look him in the eye now--what had she done?! She scolded herself inwardly for troubling the kind stranger.
Much to her surprise, the stallion laughed at her question, and she was puzzled momentarily as she didn't see the humor in it. At his next burst of laughter, she had second thoughts of the stallion's sanity, despite his earlier showings of heroism and intelligence. But there was nothing she could do now, dependent on him, and if he had turned violent, she had allowed herself to be entirely vulnerable in her position next to him.
But then it was her turn to stifle a giggle, as he continued on talking. Of course, despite the stallion's appearance, she didn't think he looked that much older--at the very least, he seemed like a newly-grown young adult! She nodded to his description of her home, not very sure if she thought it to be insulting or funny.
At his nudge, she felt comforted as their walk began, and was at much ease against the stallion's side. He was so brave, strong, and, despite his lack of eloquence in speech, he didn't seem to be that bad of a character. Instinctively, she leaned her head against her neck along the walk, and felt his reassuring warmth of his body next to hers.
She hesitated as the brown stallion gave his name, never realizing she did not know who her hero was. But did it make a difference, regardless..? It was odd also in thinking why he would want to know who the white filly was, too. She supposed she wasn't that much of a burden or bother if he had requested that knowledge!
"I'm Ayame," she voiced meekly, with somewhat of a happier tone in her words. "The family that I live with in the mountains named me," she added, unsure of whether Kouga wanted to know more. She was also unsure of whether to describe exactly who her family were, either--they weren't really like her, but she wasn't sure how others would react to that, having been isolated with the family for most of her days. "It's after a type of flower... They're really pretty and we can see them near the mountains if you go that far. I usually have one with me, but it got lost when I was running at first..."
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Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2008 5:13 pm
The little one seemed to be at war with her emotions, and Kouga himself wasn't sure exactly how he was supposed to feel, or even why he was doing what he was doing. Was it duty that was keeping him by her side, aiding the foal and returning her back home? Or was it compassion for another of his kind, who had fallen on harsh luck thanks to an unfortunate incident she held no power over controlling?
He smiled as he heard her giggle, and then rest against them as they continued walking. The stallion preferred for her to be more at ease, despite her current situation, less it add to the awkwardness of two strangers traveling together with one another. After all, weren't foals supposed to be outgoing little nuisances? It hadn't been that long since he'd been one himself, and the female wolf who'd raised him had always complained over his and the other pups' mischievous antics.
No, perhaps this little filly simply felt out of place, and was therefore quiet. Ah, well, conversation could take care of that! She seemed to begrudgingly give her name away after a few silent moments, but he soon understood why, as she went on in detail to describe her namesake, and having lost the flower she'd kept on her.
Fearing the loss of a personal token might change the little foal's suddenly brighter demeanor, Kouga paused from where they had been walking, and gently leaned over to the opposite side of where the foal stood against him. He was careful not to throw her off balance as he moved, and he swiftly plucked one of the delicate iris blooms that had grown alongside the forest's pathway. Turning back towards the smaller horse, he nimbly tucked the purple bud's stem behind her ear, the flower now resting between ear and hair, for all the world to see.
"There now," he said matter-of-factly, as if he'd solved the problem, "It may not be an Ayame flower, but an Iris looks just as appealing, as far as flowers go."
Feeling a bit awkward for simply standing there speaking about flowers with a foal, of all things, he nudged her to continue, eyeing the fact the outskirts of the forest were drawing nearer with each step they took. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment; if any of the other males in his pack overheard that conversation, it would haunt him forever.
The thought of wolves overhearing the conversation caused the tanned Soquili's head to turn, and examine the bushes and trees nearby, just in case. The sun was due to set soon, so there was no doubt that members of the pack would be out hunting in only a small amount of time. On that note as well, it would probably be best, he thought, to alert the foal of his connection with the wolves, should she spot some and come to the conclusion that they'd attempt to attack her. She'd already had a traumatic day as it was, there was no sense in frightening her further.
"Ah, well, Ayame," he started, unsure of how to phrase it, "By the way... I know this is going to sound awfully weird, but.... well...."
Oh just SAY it, Kouga, he chided himself. It wasn't like him to stutter! "If you see any wolves, I want you to know there's no reason for you to be frightened. I'm not like normal Soquili, like you and your family are. I... was actually raised by wolves."
His ears flattened, the large stallion feeling awkward and stupid for his butchered explanation. He was never one to have the 'right' thing to say to anybody, but he knew he damn well could have phrased at least this explanation better. Now the little filly was going to think he was crazy, and would probably hurt herself even worse trying to get away from him.
Not that her opinion really mattered to him anyways... right?
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